BRIAN KERKOVEN The Model Maker

Saturday, 4 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

For contemporary Creative Director Brian Kerkoven, there are no limits whatsoever when it comes to fashion. While his passion for fashion has made him one of Sri Lanka’s most influential designers, not even in Brian’s wildest dreams did he think he would play such a key role in the glamorous fashion industry. Down-to-earth, fun-loving and widely-liked for his friendly ways, Brian is a key person in the local fashion industry. Here, he talks to the Weekend FT on what inspires him, traces his journey over the years, and gives his views on Sri Lanka’s fashion sense and trends for 2014, along with some tips to keep in mind when it comes to dressing up By Shabiya Ali Ahlam Q: You are known as of the top fashion designers in Sri Lanka. Could you tell us about your journey in fashion over the years and how it all began? A: Actually I never dreamt of being a model, choreographer or designer. I was very content working in a hotel where I was able to use my PR to the maximum. I had a wonderful rapport with the management, staff and guests in all the hotels I worked in. It all started with a trip to a salon. I used to get my hair cut by Cheryl at Ramani Fernando Salon located at Taj Samudra. Ramani was gearing up for a hair show and Cheryl wanted me to be a part of that as a model. From then on one thing led to another and before I knew it I was choreographing, designing, and training models, of whom many have become big names in the fashion circuits and beauty world. I feel very proud to see how far they have gone and are going. I have a special place in my heart for Ramani and Cheryl because if not for them I would not be doing what I love the most. Soon after Ramani’s hair show that gave me my first exposure, I started modelling for ramp shows and commercials, and this was at the time when male models were few. As far as designing goes, initially I used to design for my mother. Now I design for models and beauty queens too. Most things I do are for fun, not strictly business and I guess this is what keeps me happy. Q: What or who inspires your work? A: A beautiful body, the twist of a tree, the way flowers fall on the ground, anything and everything. Even music takes one into a dream world where only dreams could be created. Q: What are you working on at the moment? A: Actually I am trying to get some designs to send for approval for two big shows that will be happening soon. If it happens, it happens… let’s see. Q: New Year is here so that calls for new look. What is ‘in’ this year? A: The looks have not changed drastically and I was saying to some young people that they are lucky since fashion is so mismatched and people could wear almost anything. Skirts of all lengths are in, so you need not throw away what you already have Q: What are the colours and themes for 2014? A: The colour of the season is radiant orchid, which is purple, fuchsia, and pink. Q: What is your opinion on Sri Lanka’s fashion sense? As a country how does Sri Lanka score? A: Well we are much more advanced than before thanks to the internet and other social media, travel abroad and the availability of magazines and clothes which are currently in fashion available at affordable prices. We could now go anywhere in the world and feel comfortable that we are dressed in this year’s colours, designs and others. Q: Could you tell us something about your modelling school plans? A: I have not started my modelling school yet, but I handpick some models who I think have the potential to make it to the top. I train them free of charge and then they get used by everyone else. I am proud to say that if I select someone, they will definitely be someone who will make it to the top. Some models think that if they are handpicked by me their modelling careers would be made and for this reason I get called up all the time by aspiring models. I look for models who have the potential to walk on an international platform and not just for Sri Lanka. If you follow all the models who have started with me, you will see how they have progressed and this gives me pride. I may start a school, and if I do I will be very selective of whom I take in. Q: Being a franchise holder for some leading fashion shows in Sri Lanka, what will the industry see this year? A: I am hoping to do the Mister Sri Lanka for Mister International and Best Female Model for Super Model International and Face of Beauty. I have also got a few more male pageants which may also be in this same event. However, I am not sure yet as I may nominate suitable males and send them for these pageants as I may not have enough time. Q: As a designer what are your New Year resolutions? A: As a person, it is to try not to be too good to anyone from now on. Not to expect anything from anyone and to treat people the way they deserve to be treated. In the end we only have our relations and close friends. Q: What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2014? A: A Mister International, a supermodel and maybe a couple of beauty queens… For me, a designer line, successful school and loads of money! (laughs).

Brian’s tips for models, aspiring and experienced

Keep your reputation clean. People talk, even the people you associate with.

Do not lose your head, because one day you can be on top and the next a nobody. A bad attitude could make you lose rather than win.

Never forget your past and those who have helped you to become what you are.

There are new models coming into the field everyday and if you do not maintain your PR and your looks, someone else will walk into your place.

Get work with dignity and not by running behind people. If you are good at what you do, you do not have to suck up to anyone.

Maintain your body, skin, hair and other things that make you a top model. Sri Lanka is fast becoming picky about the models.

Brian’s tips for creative dressing 1. Do not over accessorise since most times less is more. 2. If in doubt get advice from someone who will give you an honest opinion, not snigger behind your back after agreeing to whatever you choose. 3. Wear what suits you and not what a model in a catalogue is wearing unless you have a similar body structure. Be yourself and don’t try to copy the style of someone else. What looks good on them may not look good on you. 4. Wear what you are comfortable in. Sometimes you see females tugging their blouse-like dress when they sit down or trying hard to balance on heels too high. 5. Know your make-up. Get the correct colour foundation. For dark skin, pale foundations won’t make you look fairer. It will only give you a comic look. Make sure when wearing a low cut dress that the foundation is spread to the lower regions and arms. There is nothing funnier than a white face on a darker body.